Congratulations to longtime favorite Abby Ramirez on being named Softball Head Coach at St. Laurence High School in Chicago. Actually, first, congratulations to Abby Ramirez-Battaglia on her fairly recent marriage.
A Chicago area native, Abby starred at the University of Michigan. She was a three-time Big Ten champion, three-time All-Big Ten selection and a member of Michigan’s 2015 national runner-up team. After Michigan, she joined the Chicago Bandits, and later Athletes Unlimited. All told, she spent seven seasons playing pro softball.
She began her coaching career as an assistant at Northwestern, before moving on to DePaul. It was always great seeing her at those games.
It will be sad not seeing Abby at DePaul, but the good news for us fans is St. Laurence is not too far on the south side of Chicago. Looks like I will cover my first high school softball game. That is the type of respect I have for Abby. I can't let a season go without a quick catch up.
I wish Abby a lot of success at St. Laurence. I'll miss her at DePaul, but I appreciate all of her kindness over the years. I am sure I will see her again though.
Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League is back. More important to Chicago, the Chicago Bandits are back.
After a few years of AU Softball being played under fantasy-league type rules, AUSL debuted last year, bringing back traditional softball. Four teams played the season in Rosemont, including the Bandits, but none had a designated city affiliation. In the offseason, it was finally announced the Bandits would belong to Chicago, while the other three teams, plus two new teams, found their homes elsewhere.
Abby Ramirez played for the previous version of the Chicago Bandits. She also played in the first two seasons of AU. The Chicago-area native starred at the University of Michigan, before returning to Chicago to play pro ball. She currently is an assistant coach for DePaul.
That is where long time Bandits fan Chris saw her. The Blue Demons hosted the Dome Tournament in February. Of course, Chris had to get a picture with Abby. Despite retiring from active play about four years ago, Abby is still extremely popular with Chicago fans. Everyone loves Abby and rightly so.
Chris is very popular, too. He is well-known for taking hundreds of pictures at every game and also for his cowbell. A constant presence at all Bandits or AU games in Rosemont, Chris is part of the old guard. He goes back farther than me, but I am still part of the "Old Crusties" group with him, Tony, Kevin and a few others.
Go to auprosports.com for more info on the league and depaulbluedemons.com for more info on Abby and the Blue Demons. Check back here for my recurring coverage of both.
Yesterday, I recapped my participation in Loyola's Home Run Derby. A week later, I swung for the fences in DePaul's Home Run Derby.
Much like at Loyola, it was a frigid day. The game went extra innings, just to prolong the cold day. Fortunately, DePaul won.
After the game, I made my way to the field and chatted with a few players, fans and also DePaul Assistant Coach Abby Ramirez. I have known Abby for many years. After starring at the University of Michigan, Abby played pro softball in Chicago, first for the Chicago Bandits, then for Athletes Unlimited. Abby is an awesome person.
I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Abby was going to pitch to me. That alone made my day. She threw great pitches, but once again, I hit line drives without clearing the fence. One of my hits made it to the wall on one bounce.
Once again, the Blue Demons were cheering on everyone and giving high fives walking away from the field. I think the players enjoy seeing us older folks swinging.
Like at Loyola, this derby benefitted Cal's Angels. You'd see my shirt further supporting he cause, but it was under three other shirts as I battled the winds.
Thank you to DePaul for a great time. A Special thanks to the players and especially Abby for making it even better.
Chicago native Abby Ramirez starred at shortstop for the University of Michigan. Among her highlights with the Wolverines, she was named to the 2015 NCAA All-Tournament Team after the Wolverines finished runner-up at the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Abby went on to play two seasons with the National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits and three seasons with Athletes Unlimited..With all those teams, Rosemont was home and local gal Abby was a definite fan favorite.
Her coaching career started as a grad assistant with Northwestern. Abby joined DePaul as an interim assistant coach in 2021. Abby brings a wealth of experience for such a young coach.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Abby several times. Those interviews can be found on the Chicago Bandits playlist on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel.
Abby remains one of my favorites. No matter how busy she is, she always makes time for a chat or quick picture. It's been a lot of fun watching her career develop.
For more info on Abby and DePaul, go to depaulbluedemons.com. Also, check back here for my recurring NCAA softball coverage.
Abby Ramirez and me in Rosemont, IL-February 2023.
From the Chicago area, Abby Ramirez was a star infielder at the University of Michigan. Unfortunately for women softball players (and women athletes in general) professional sports opportunities are limited.
At the time Abby left Michigan, National Pro Fastpitch was the main pro league. Abby was signed with the Chicago Bandits and enjoyed several seasons with the team. As a softball fan, I knew of Abby at Michigan, but I met her and saw her in action for the first time with the Bandits.
Abby really was a delight. he was solid in the field and at bat and a fan favorite. Always smiling, Abby seemed to simply love playing, which made it even more fun to watch. After the NPF folded, Abby signed on with Athletes Unlimited softball, again based in Rosemont.
Abby announced her playing retirement at the end of last season. Not leaving the game, Abby remained a coach at DePaul. She has been an assistant coach for a few seasons.
Even in retirement, Abby can't get away from me. LOL Since I cover DePaul softball, I get to see her all season. It's great to see she is just as enthusiastic about coaching as playing. Her "pupil" can certainly learn plenty of Coach Abby.
Last Saturday, I witnessed one of the most touching moments ever on a softball field. Athletes Unlimited's Abby Ramirez caught a ceremonial pitch from her father Ruben.
Ruben, ICC Chief of Police, was honored for his selfless response to the events of 9/11. Ruben tossing the pitch to Abby, followed by their embrace was a simple, yet touching moment. It was a fitting tribute honoring all efforts from that tragic day. Abby would go on to place third in the MVP voting on Sunday, which was Causes Day.
Ruben and Abby embraced after the pitch, as the crowd erupted in applause. It was a touching moment and the perfect way to start what was a special weekend. On the 20th anniversary of one of the most tragic events in world history, the packed stands joined Abby is saluting her father, who represented all who gave themselves to the effort during that horrible time.
Having known Abby for several years, I know she appreciated the whole day more than anyone (except maybe her dad). The Ramirez family deserved all of the love on Saturday and I am happy to have witnessed it all.
The Chicago Bandits have won four National Pro Fastpitch championships since starting play in 2005. While they have built championship teams on the field, they are also building championship players off the field at the Bandit Academy.
Operating from the Dome at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois, the Bandit Academy is a fastpitch softball training facility for players, teams and coaches. The Bandit Academy offers private instruction, team workouts, camps, clinics, and other events.
The four different camps offered focus on specific aspects of the game:
The All-Skills camp teaches general defensive and offensive techniques. Drills include increasing bat speed, mental game strategies, speed developing drills, base running, throwing and defensive skills.
Catching Camp provides instruction on stance, signs, receiving, framing, blocking, throwing, fielding bunts, tags, and the mental aspects of dealing with pitchers. It's aimed at all catching levels, from the beginner catcher to those with much more experience,
Pitching Camp includes “spins, spins, and more spins!” It also focuses on pitching form, using the whole body and not just the arm.
The Coaches Clinic is an interactive session covering many aspects of the team and game. Various on the fields drill are be broken down. Instructors teach techniques to sharpen all skills physical and mental.
Holly Scott is the Director of Operation and the pitching instructor at the Bandit Academy. A College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Player of the Year in 2009, Holly pitched and played outfield for North Central College. Currently the pitching coach for NCC, Holly has more than 10 years of coaching experience.
Instructor Abby Ramirez has played three seasons with the Chicago Bandits. The Illinois Gatorade Softball Player of the Year in 2013 out of Trinity High School, Abby went on to star at the University of Michigan. With the Wolverines, Abby was a two time All-Big Ten second team selection at shortstop, among other awards and accolades. Abby signed with the Bandits in 2017 as an undrafted free agent. In 2019, she was named to the All-NPF team at second base. Most recently, Abby played for Athletes Unlimited in their inaugural season.
Instructor Joey Lye is a native of Toronto, ON, Canada, where she was a four-year letter-winner in both softball and ice hockey at Williams College. Joey began her collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach at Williams in 2010. Her coaching career eventually led her to Bucknell University, where she served as Head Coach from 2018-2020. As part of her training for the 2021 Canadian Olympic team, Joey recently played in the inaugural season for Athletes Unlimited.
Jourdan Skirha is the Assistant General Manager of the Bandits and also an instructor at The Bandit Academy. At Oak Forest High School, Jourdan earned all-conference honors as a sophomore, junior, and senior. A four year versatile player at Drexel University, in 2017, she was nominated for Drexel University’s Best Athletic Play for her pinch-hit, walk-off grand slam. She has been professionally instructing softball since graduating from Drexel. Jourdan is also a proud mom to Bandit, the official team dog of the Bandits.
I recently caught up with Abby right after one of her coaching sessions at the Bandit Academy. Abby gave the basics on the Bandit Academy, as well as discussing what players and parents should expect, the importance of quality coaching and more.
Abby also stressed that the Bandit Academy isn't limited to onfield instruction. The instructors are very dedicated to helping shape young players into quality young people and growing the game. This is a recurring theme I have heard from my first experience covering the Bandits many years ago. It's not coach speak or lip service. I have seen first hand many times how dedicated the players are to inspiring, encouraging and helping young players. As much as the Bandit Academy is definitely a business, it is very much a community service, giving direction to today's youth.
This aspect should not get lost in the shuffle of the excellent game instruction taught at the Bandit Academy. It is this dual focus which makes the Bandit Academy so special. Anyone entering the Bandit Academy will come out a better player and a better person. It is summarized best in the Bandit Academy's stated goal “to continue to improve, build upon, and create even more future opportunities in our sport.”
There is no 2020 National Pro Fastpitch season. The Chicago Bandits are not playing in Rosemont. Still, the Bandit organization is keeping busy.
The Bandit Academy is up and running. Based at the Ballpark in Rosemont, instructors Holly Scott, Jourdan Skirha and Abby Ramirez work hard to help young players. The Bandit Academy offers private instruction, team workouts, camps, clinics, and other events. It aims to "improve, build upon, and create even more future opportunities in our sport."
A Chicago native, Abby attended Trinity High School and was named the 2013 Illinois Gatorade Softball Player of the Year. She went on to star at the University of Michigan. She racked up quite a lot of achievements, including
NFCA All-Great Lakes Region first team (shortstop, 2017), second team (shortstop, 2016) and third team (shortstop, 2015)
Two-time All-Big Ten second team (shortstop, 2015, '17)
An undrafted free agent, Abby joined the Bandits in 2017 and went 2-3 in her debut. Over the next three seasons, Abby would play in 121 games, hitting .294 with 21 RBIs and 39 runs scored. She also has a .964 fielding percentage.
The Bandits did a great job scouting and signing Abby. She is a credit to the organization. She is great with fans and has always been good to me. My first interview with her is at On the Beat With Abby Ramirez.
Abby has proven to be versatile on defense, logging time at shortstop and second base. In 2019, she made the All-NPF team at second base.
That kind of resume is impressive enough, but Abby is much more than a list of accomplishments. She is a quality person who is dedicated to softball now and for the future. She is a valuable asset to the Bandit Academy.
Abby, Holly and Jourdan do a great job at the Bandit Academy. They have also been joined occasionally by others, including some Bandits.
The Bandit Academy is offering mini-camps June 15-18 and June 22-25. They are four day camps, with 90 minute sessions having eight participants and two coaches per session.
Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.
I recently wrote about my experience tossing the ceremonial first pitch for the National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits. My buddy Jim Strong was there to capture the moment on video.
The game itself was unusual. The first place Bandits were hosting the last place Beijing Shougang Eagles. I expected the Bandits to win easily. I was half-right.
In one of the fastest NPF games I have ever seen, the Bandits were winning 1-0 entering the top of the 7th (the last inning). The Eagles scored a run and extra innings loomed.
In the bottom of the 7th, Gwen Svekis singled and was moved to third on a double by Courtney Gano. Emily Crane was intentionally walked to load the bases. Abby Ramirez ended the game with a walk-off single.
After the game, we mingled with the players as usual. We congratulated the team on an exciting win and Jim got a picture with the star of the game.
The regular season is now over and the Bandits have a few days off before the NPF championship series starts in Rosemont on Thursday, August 15. The Bandits will face the second place USSSA Pride, a longtime rival. Go to ChicagoBandits.com for info and news.
Jim Strong and Abby Ramirez in Rosemont, IL-August 2019.
The Chicago Bandits are firmly in second place with a record of 28-7. They trail the first place USSSA Pride by 5.5 games, but they do have 3 more games at home against the Pride. First place is not out of the question, but either way, it will be these two teams when the NPF championship series starts in mid August.
I was back "On the Beat" Friday and I interviewed shortstop Abby Ramirez, pitcher Ally Carda, infielder DJ Sanders and pitcher Shelby Turnier. Again it was a nice mix including a rookie (DJ), second year Bandit (Abby), a second year NPF, a first year Bandit (Ally) and a veteran (and 2016 NPF championship series hero Shelby).
Each athlete brings something interesting and different to the interviews. These world class athletes have played all over the world with different dreams, goals and futures and all landed here in Chicago for the 2018 season.
Once again I thank Director of Media Relations Jason Lowenthal for facilitating these interviews. I thank the Bandits organization for the opportunity and access. I thank the elite athletes for their time and consideration. I thank Bandit Nation for the continued support. I thank Mark Pandocchi for his fine video work always.
There are still 3 more home games (August 10-12) for the Bandits. The NPF championship series starts Thursday, August 16 and is a best of 5 on successive days as needed.
Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info, updates and scheduling. You can also check the Bandits Facebook page for timely updates and fun stuff. Of course, I'll have continual coverage here as always!
We are back "On the Beat" for our fourth season with the reigning back-to-back National Pro Fastpitch champion Chicago Bandits. Today, our coverage brings us to Abby Ramirez.
She originally caught my eye, because I had read about her prep career, including being named the Illinois Gatorade Softball Player of the Year in 2013. I wasn't necessarily even following women's softball then, but i knew of Abby!
Because of the Bandits and the NPF, I actually started to watch women's collegiate softball a few seasons ago. Abby was one of the first collegiate players I remember watching. She collected a bunch of awards and honors, including All-Big Ten Defensive Team at 2nd base in 2014, while playing for the University of Michigan.
After going undrafted, she signed with the Bandits last offseason. I am sure she was excited to join her hometown team, but I was also excited to see her play here, after watching her for years at Michigan.
In our interview, we talked to Abby about playing under the legendary Coach Carol Hutchins, joining her hometown team, her favorite things in Chicago and more. Though only a few games into her NPF career, we asked about her first impressions and we loved her answer.
I think Abby will have a long and successful career in the NPF. Bandit Nation already has embraced her, but that love will continue to grow. It's always special to watch local players succeed with the Bandits.
I really appreciate Abby's time and consideration. She is an excellent addition to the Bandits. Welcome home Abby!
I also want to thank the Bandits for their continued hospitality. The organization and the individuals make this such a joy. I encourage everyone to join the fun. Head to ChicagoBandits.com for more info and then head to a game (or two).
.jpg)
